Banning High School
2012
Lady Pilots Tennis Team
Awards Banquet
On
Friday, December 10, 2012, the Lady Pilots Tennis Team Held its awards banquet in Woodson Hall. In addition to gathering
together to celebrate the incredible team success, the end-of-season awards were also given. What follows is a message
from the coach, a list of the team's accomplishments & the recipients of the various awards.
MESSAGE
FROM COACH CASTILLO
As the 2011 season came to an end, there was a tremendous amount
of uncertainty going into the 2012 season. The team enjoyed a tremendous amount of success during the 4 years of the
class of 2012's time, including 4 consecutive trips to the team playoffs, which featured 2 trips to the quarterfinals, and
one appearance in the semi-finals. As a group they combined for over 300 varsity matches played, amassed over 200 individual
varsity match victories, and helped the team reach the playoffs in each of the 3 seasons in which they participated on the
varsity squad. Of the 10 seniors, 5 of them (the "Fab 5") spent 3 full years as starters, 1 spent 2 years
as a starter, 2 more spent almost an entire season as starters, and the final 2 made various appearances in the varsity lineup
during their 4-year careers. 8 of the 10 seniors were 4-year players, while 2 spent 2 years with the team. Two seniors
were 2x All-City players & Marine League Doubles Champions, while 4 others were selections for the C.I.F. L.A. City Section
Doubles Championships. To say the least, the bar was set very high, and the team was losing a tremendous amount of talent,
as well as experience & leadership.
Adding to the uncertainty of
the 2012 season, was the harsh reality that only 2 of this year's returners were regular starters during the 2011 campaign,
and fact that 5 additional players did not return to the team, meaning that 15 members of 2011's squad was not coming back.
Based on all of those factors, there wasn't too much room for hope, in terms of how much success the team would have in 2012.
In December of 2011, had anyone told us that we would have accomplished all that we did this year, we would have probably
laughed. However, those losses occurred a long time ago, and this year's team was determined to make up for those losses
with hard work in both the spring and summer preceding the season. And boy, did it pay off!
First & foremost, 2 of the team's returners were regular starters the entire 2011 season, and played
some of their best tennis towards the end of the 2011 season. It was clear that the team would lean on them in 2012,
and that their varsity experience would help them through some of those tough times that were sure to come. Additionally,
2 more returners gained some valuable varsity experience towards the end of the 2011 season, including an impressive playoff
win during the team quarterfinals. Perhaps the biggest surprise, however, was the vast improvement of one of the team's
JV players, and 1 of only 2 seniors on the team, that made a huge jump in the ladder rankings and consistently challenged
for the #1 spot. These 5 players would help lead the team throughout the season, including during the team's historic victory
over Carson.
Following those top 5 players were 3 more that were the
team's only other returners. Joining them, was a 10th grader who spent time with the team during spring conditioning,
in preparation for the season. Although none had any prior varsity experience, they all appeared in the varsity lineup at
various points throughout the 2012 season. They had a significant impact this year, and gained some valuable playing
time. Their continued improvement will be necessary for the team to continue to have success in 2013 and beyond.
Finally, were all the "newbies" of 2012. There were 11 of
them: 8 sophomores and 3 freshmen. While none of them had any prior tennis experience at all, they very quickly learned
and improved in such a short amount of time, which led to 2 of them earning permanent spots in the varsity lineup immediately,
while 2 others established themselves as regular starters, only 6 games into the season. The remaining 7 also improved
greatly throughout the course of the season, and also consistently challenged each other, as well as some of the veteran members
of the team, in the ladder rankings. Their future looks bright.
2012
was certainly an unexpected season. Not only did the team recover from the loss of personnel, but they excelled and
over-achieved. With such a large group of underclassmen, committed to playing out their time here at Banning, their
energy and positive attitudes were a very welcome addition. The leadership of our returners, and their ability to produce
some fantastic results, were inspirational. Fortunately, I learned my lesson during the boys 2006 season, to not lament
those who were not returning, but rather, to focus on what we did have. And what we did have was a strong groups of ladies
who played with a tremendous amount of heart and determination.
Once
again, to Coach Furuya, were remain incredibly grateful for the cookies & brownies, but more importantly, for her undying
support. Although her non-tennis duties and responsibilities made it difficult for her to spend as much time with the
team as we know she would've liked to, we not only understand, but appreciate, even more, how much she gave of herself to
do all that she could. Thank you.
2012's Seniors are a small
group of 2, who had a big impact on the season we were able to have. Their drive and motivation to improve, despite
where they stood in the lineup, is a testament to the idea of never being satisfied with past accomplishments, and not resting
on one's laurels. All that they overcame, both on and off the court, serves as an inspiration to the strength of the
human will. We will certainly miss you, and wish you the very best as you head off on your next adventure: college.
Of those returning to the team in 2013, certainly the 6 regular starters
will now face the challenge of improving even more, as they become the go-to veterans of the team. To the 2 freshmen
starters who forced their way into the lineup & stayed there, you have 3 more years to go, to try to cement your legacy
as part of an extremely small group of people who spent 4 years, not only on the team, but 4 years as a starter on varsity.
Currently, there is only 1 other player who has done so. To those who spent small amounts of time on the varsity lineup,
now is your time to cast aside those fears and that anxiety, and be ready to play. And finally, to those waiting in
the wings, don't let anything stop you from setting high goals for yourselves, and becoming not only a regular starter on
varsity in 2013, but as one of the top players on the team in 2013.
I
can't imagine what my life would be like without this team. I know that I am in a privileged position to be able to
call myself your coach. While no one can foretell what lies ahead, with all of the challenges & uncertainty that
face the school next year and in the coming years, I draw upon the uncertainty heading into this season as hope for my future
as coach of this team in 2013 and beyond. I am so proud of what you were able to accomplish, both on and off the court
this season, and I know that much more success awaits us all. I treasure these opportunities and I thank you for all
that you have done to make this a worthwhile venture. Awesome job Pilots, and good luck in 2013!
FAREWELL TO OUR SENIORS! WE'LL MISS YOU!
2012 LADY PILOTS
TENNIS
MAJOR ACCOMPLISHMENTS
- 100% OF ALL VARSITY
PLAYERS KEPT THEIR ACADEMIC ELIGIBILITY AT THE 10-WEEK MARK (100% 9 years in a row!)
- 2.92 OVERALL TEAM G.P.A.
(2.97 FOR ALL THOSE THAT PLAYED VARSITY)
- FINISHED WITH A 9-5 REGULAR SEASON RECORD
- 4TH 10-WIN
SEASON IN THE LAST 6 YEARS
- 8TH CONSECUTIVE SEASON WITH A .500 WINNING % OR BETTER
- 7TH
CONSECUTIVE YEAR WITH A WINNING % OF .500 OR BETTER IN LEAGUE PLAY
- 7TH CONSECUTIVE PLAYOFF APPEARANCE
IN THE C.I.F. L.A. CITY SECTION TEAM PLAYOFFS
- 5TH TIME, IN THE LAST 6 YEARS, THE TEAM ADVANCED
TO THE QUARTERFINALS (or better) OF THE TEAM PLAYOFFS (2007, 2008, 2009, 2011, 2012)
- 6 STARTERS ADVANCED TO INDIVIDUAL
POST-SEASON PLAY, INCLUDING 2 IN THE MARINE LEAGUE SINGLES CHAMPIONSHIPS & 4 IN THE MARINE LEAGUE DOUBLES CHAMPIONSHIPS.
2 OF THOSE WERE ALSO SELECTED FOR THE C.I.F. L.A. CITY SECTION DOUBLES CHAMPIONSHIPS
- ENDED A 27-MATCH WINLESS
STREAK VS. CARSON!!! (ENDING THEIR 14-YEAR DOMINATION OF THE MARINE LEAGUE)
- PRODUCED THE VALEDICTORIAN
OF THE GRADUATING CLASS FOR THE 3RD TIME IN THE LAST 4 YEARS. (2010, 2012, 2013)
2012 OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE OF THE YEAR
JUNIOR VARSITY
This award is given out for the most outstanding
single performance either during a JV match, or by a player(s) who played a significant amount of their matches at the Junior
Varsity level.
Alondra Gudino & Caroline
Ortiz
9/27/12 vs. Washington
During a
brief appearance in the Varsity lineup, Alondra Gudino & Caroline Ortiz produced a dominant 8-0 shutout vs. the Generals'
#3 doubles Varsity squad.
2012 OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE
OF THE YEAR
VARSITY DOUBLES
This award
is given out for the most outstanding single performance by a Varsity player(s) during a Varsity Doubles match.
Liesel Montañez & Renae Reyes
10/31/12 vs. Kennedy (Playoffs - 1st Round)
#1
doubles squad, Liesel Montañez & Renae Reyes, fresh off an amazing comeback from being down 2-7 vs. Narbonne in
the quarterfinals of the Marine League Doubles Championship, had another gut-wrencher. Montañez & Reyes trailed
1-4 in the 1st set before they tied it at 6-all to force the tie-break. Tie break was pretty intense going all the way
to 6-6 before they dropped the set. Montañez & Reyes then cruised in the 2nd to then force a 3rd
set. By the time the 3rd set was going on, the overall team score was tied at 3-all 7 the team's future was
in the balance. In that 3rd set, there were no breaks until the 7th game, which the Pilots broke at luv,
then held their next 2 service games to close it out, 6-7 (6), 6-2, 6-4 in one of the only 3-set matches for the entire team
all year, vaulting the Pilots into the Quarterfinals of the C.I.F. L.A. City Section Team Playoffs.
2012 OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE OF THE YEAR
VARSITY
SINGLES
This award is given out for the most outstanding single performance by a Varsity
player(s) during a Varsity Singles match.
Jocelyn
Cuevas
9/21/12 vs. Narbonne
In the team's
league opener, and in her 1st matchup vs. the eventual runner-up in the Marine League Singles Championship, as
well as an eventual selection to the C.I.F. L.A. City Section Singles Championship, Jocelyn Cuevas knocked her opponent off
the court in a brilliant performance, winning 8-3, grabbing the only varsity win for the team of the day vs. this year's top
team in the Marine League.
2012 JV PLAYER OF THE YEAR
This award goes to the JV player that has shown the most potential, had the most significant impact
& the biggest contribution to the team. These things are determined by a combination of that person's play &
results on the court, attitude/work-ethic, as well as other off-the-court contributions to the team. Candidates are listed
in alphabetical order
2012 C0-JV PLAYERS OF THE YEAR
Leslie
Leon & Natalia Vasquez
LESLIE LEON - FRESHMAN/1st
Year Player
Technically designated as a JV player for the team's 1st 8 matches,
although she made zero JV appearances, made her varsity debut vs. Carson, along with her only doubles partner of the year.
Was 2nd among all JV players in number of varsity appearances, with 11 such matches. Although only a freshman,
with no previous tennis experience, and no matches at the JV level to help prepare her for the more challenging opponents
on varsity, played with a tremendous amount of intensity & desire, as displayed by a clutch performance vs. Rancho Dominguez,
along with her partner, that clinched the overall team victory, and kept the Pilots' post-season hopes alive.
| PLAYER |
VARSITY | JV/EXHIBITION | OVERALL
|
| Leslie Leon | 4-7 |
0-0 | 4-7 |
NATALIA VASQUEZ - FRESHMAN/1st Year Player & Starter
Opened
the season as a varsity starter during the team's season-opener vs. Contreras, before dropping to the JV ranks for a brief
moment. Took off, once partnered with her final partner of the season, as they seemed to feed off of each other's energy,
especially during a critical match vs. Rancho Dominguez that kept the Pilots' post-season plans intact, as they fought off
their nervousness to deliver the overall team win. Among all players who spend time on the JV squad, led all of them
in total number of varsity matches played, and was tied for the lead, among JV players for overall wins.
| PLAYER | VARSITY
| JV/EXHIBITION | OVERALL |
| Natalia Vasquez | 5-8 | 2-2
| 7-10 |
2012 ROOKIE OF THE YEAR
This award goes to the player in
their 1st year on the team that has had the most significant impact & the biggest contribution among players
new to the team, and as part of the Varsity lineup.
MARIVI ANGEL - SOPHOMORE/1st
Year Player & Starter
A stand- out during tryouts in the spring of 2011 for being
a quick learner, established herself as a regular starter on varsity almost immediately. Played with a tremendous amount
of determination, especially as displayed during an exceptional singles performance vs. San Pedro, as well as pulling out
a tie-break win in doubles vs. Rancho Dominguez, with her partner, that set up the drama of the final match on court that
day. With that same partner, their close victory vs. Kennedy in the team playoffs, helped to set up the team win on
that day as well. Was tied for the lead among all 1st year players for total number of varsity matches played,
and led all 1st year players with 8 overall wins on the season, as she began playing like a seasoned veteran by
season's end. Along with her partner was only one of 12 pairs, out of close to 60 doubles players in the league, selected
to participate in the Marine League Doubles Championships, where they ranked as the #8 squad.
| Non-
League |
Marine League |
1st Serve Tourn.
| Marine League
Championships | C.I.F.
Team Playoffs |
C.I.F. Individual Playoffs
| Total Post-
Season |
Singles |
Doubles
|
Overall |
| 2-0 |
5-7 | 0-2 |
0-1 | 1-1 | -
| 1-2 | 1-2 | 7-9 | 8-11 |
2012 MOST IMPROVED PLAYER
This
award goes to the returning player that has shown the most improvement & made a significant contribution to the Varsity
team.
NATALIE MARTINEZ - 2nd Year Player/1st
Year Starter
Dramatically improved player vaulted from the JV ranks of 2011 to challenge
for the #1 rank on the team after working extremely hard during the off-season. Playing mostly at the #2 singles spot,
amassed an impressive record full of many standout performances including a rematch of a close 6-8 loss during the team's
league opener, in her 1st matchup vs. the eventual Marine League Singles Champion, and eventual selection to the
C.I.F. L.A. City Section Singles Championship from this year's Marine League Team Champs, avenging that defeat by dominating
her opponent 8-3, in only one of two varsity wins for the team on the day. Led the team in almost every category including
most overall wins, most singles wins & most wins in Marine League play. Out of close to 30 singles players, was
also one of only 8 players selected to participate in the Marine League Singles Championships, where she was the #5 seed.
Was also an alternate in the C.I.F. L.A. City Section Singles Championships.
| Non-
League |
Marine League |
1st Serve Tourn.
| Marine League
Championships | C.I.F.
Team Playoffs |
C.I.F. Individual Playoffs
| Total Post-
Season |
Singles |
Doubles
|
Overall |
| 2-0 |
10-2 | 1-2 |
0-1 | 2-0 | -
| 2-1 | 15-3 | 0-2 | 15-5 |
2012 MOST VALUABLE PLAYER
This
award is given to the player that has proven to be the most valuable player on the team, as determined by a combination of
that person's play & results on the court as well as other off-the-court contributions to the team.
JOCELYN CUEVAS - 3rd Year Player/2nd Year Starter
2011's
Most Improved Player continued the upward trend, claiming the #1 rank on the team by a slim margin. Managed difficult
balance of academic & team responsibilities after schedule forced her to be an after-school-only player. Leadership
& composure on and off the court were invaluable to a team that featured an extremely high amount of new players.
Took on the toughest opponents week-in and week-out, producing many impressive victories including a brilliant performance
in the team's league opener, and in her 1st matchup vs. the eventual runner-up in the Marine League Singles Championship,
as well as an eventual selection to the C.I.F. L.A. City Section Singles Championship winning 8-3, and grabbing the only varsity
win for the team of the day vs. this year's top team in the Marine League. Was a perfect 4-0 in both non-league &
team playoff matches, and tied for the 2nd highest number of wins on the season. Out of close to 30 singles
players, was one of only 8 players selected to participate in the Marine League Singles Championships, where her play throughout
the season earned her the #3 seed. Was also an alternate in the C.I.F. L.A. City Section Singles Championships.
|
Non- League |
Marine League
| 1st Serve
Tourn. | Marine
League Championships |
C.I.F. Team Playoffs
| C.I.F. Individual
Playoffs | Total
Post- Season |
Singles
|
Doubles |
Overall |
| 2-0 | 7-5 |
0-3 | 0-1 | 2-0
| - | 2-1 | 9-7 | 2-2 |
11-9 |
Scholar-Athlete of the Year Award
This award is given
to the player with the highest G.P.A. at the 10-week Eligibility Date. It represents high achievement & an incredible
sense of dedication, both on & off the court.
VARSITY
JOCELYN CUEVAS - 3rd Year Player/2nd Year Starter
Academically, on track to become the Valedictorian of the Class of 2013. Taking on an extremely challenging
class schedule, had the highest G.P.A. among Varsity players at the 10-week mark, with a 3.8 G.P.A. Class load included
four Advanced Placement classes. Classes included: AP English Literature, AP Calculus, AP Spanish Literature, AP Chemistry,
Ceramics & Economics. Was the only member of the team who had a full load of 6 academic classes, while joining the
team after those 6 classes for practice.
On
the court, 2011's Most Improved Player continued the upward trend, claiming the #1 rank on the team by a slim margin.
Managed difficult balance of academic & team responsibilities after schedule forced her to be an after-school-only player.
Leadership & composure on and off the court were invaluable to a team that featured an extremely high amount of new players.
Took on the toughest opponents week-in and week-out, producing many impressive victories including a brilliant performance
in the team's league opener, and in her 1st matchup vs. the eventual runner-up in the Marine League Singles Championship,
as well as an eventual selection to the C.I.F. L.A. City Section Singles Championship winning 8-3, and grabbing the only varsity
win for the team of the day vs. this year's top team in the Marine League. Was a perfect 4-0 in both non-league &
team playoff matches, and tied for the 2nd highest number of wins on the season. Out of close to 30 singles
players, was one of only 8 players selected to participate in the Marine League Singles Championships, where her play throughout
the season earned her the #3 seed. Was also an alternate in the C.I.F. L.A. City Section Singles Championships.
JUNIOR VARSITY
ALINA PARRA - SOPHOMORE/1st Year Player
Led all JV teammates
with a 3.8 G.P.A. at the 10-week mark, while taking 2 Honors classes. Her classes included: Chemistry, Honors English,
Spanish for Native Speakers 1, Algebra 1, Honors World History & Tennis.
On
the court, Alina was always pleasant and ready to help, while the improvement she made and the attitude she brought were a
bright spot on the team. Took advantage & enjoyed every opportunity to play, especially during an 8-4 win vs. Kennedy
during the team playoffs. Was tied for the lead for most JV/Exhibition wins.
Senior
Award
Recognizing the teams' Seniors for their years of service & dedication.
JOCELYN CUEVAS
3 Years - 2
Years on Varsity
NATALIE MARTINEZ
2
Years - 1 Year on Varsity
Individual Post-Season Recognitions
Recognizing those members of the team who received invites to participate in individual post-season
championships, including the Marine League Championships & the C.I.F. L.A. City Section Championships.
MARIVI ANGEL & BRENDA TORRES
*Marine League Doubles Championships
- 1st Round
Despite not pairing up regularly until deep into the season,
amassed many impressive wins, including a tight 8-7 win over Rancho Dominguez, that helped the team remain eligible for a
spot in the team playoffs. Were the #8 seeds in the Marine League Doubles Championships.
JOCELYN CUEVAS
*Marine League Singles Championships - 1st
Round
*C.I.F. L.A. City Section Singles Championships (Alternate)
One of the top singles players in the Marine League. Significant achievements included many singles victories
on the season in route to defeating the #1 singles player from every team in the Marine League, except Gardena. Won 8-2 &
8-4 over Carson's #1. Won 8-3 vs. Narbonne's #1. Barely lost 8-7 (7-5) to Gardena's #1, and also barely lost 8-7 (7-5)
to Narbonne's #1 the 2nd time they played. Gardena's #1 & Narbonne's #1 were the #1 & #2 seeds in our year-end
Marine League Championships. Was the #3 seed in the Marine League Singles Championships. In the 1st round of the team
playoffs, defeated Kennedy's #1 6-3, 6-0 and defeated Taft's #1 6-1, 6-1 in Quarterfinals of team playoffs. Was selected
as an alternate in the C.I.F. L.A. City Section Singles Championships.
NATALIE MARTINEZ
*Marine League Singles Championships - 1st Round
*C.I.F. L.A. City Section
Singles Championships (Alternate)
Amazing singles record, defeating
the #2 singles player from every team in the Marine League, including two identical 8-1 wins vs. the defending 2011 Marine
League Singles Champion from Gardena. Won 8-3 & 8-3 over Carson's #2. Won 8-3 vs. Narbonne's #2, Patricia Arabit, who
ended up winning the year-end Marine League Championships. Barely lost 8-7 (7-5) to Narbonne's #2, Patricia Arabit in
the quarterfinals of our year-end Marine League Championships. Was the #4 seed in the Marine League Singles Championship.
In the 1st round of the team playoffs, defeated Kennedy's #2 6-1, 6-0 and defeated Taft's #2 6-0, 6-2 in the Quarterfinals
of team playoffs. Was also selected as an alternate in the C.I.F. L.A. City Section Singles Championships.
LIESEL MONTAÑEZ & RENAE REYES
*Marine League
Doubles Championships - Semifinalists
*C.I.F. L.A. City Section Doubles Championships - 1st
Round
Played a mix of singles (5 times at #3 &/or #4 singles) as
well as #1 doubles all season. One of the top doubles pairs in the Marine League. Significant achievements include victories
over every school's #1 doubles team in the Marine League, except Narbonne & Gardena. Won 8-5 over Carson's #1. Won 8-4
vs. Rancho Dominquez's #1 and 8-0 vs. San Pedro's #1. Barely lost 8-7 (11-9) to Gardena's #1, and also barely lost 8-7
(7-4) to Narbonne's #1. Were the #4 seeds in the Marine League Doubles Championships where they overcame a 2-7 deficit to
defeat Narbonne's #2 8-7 (6) in the quarterfinals of the Marine League Championships before losing to the eventual champions
from Carson in the semi-finals. Despite Liesel Montañez being sidelined for 6 games due to injury, still managed
to amass many doubles wins. In the 1st round of the team playoffs, defeated Kennedy's #1 6-7 (6), 6-2, 6-4. Were selected
to participate in the C.I.F. L.A. City Section Doubles Playoffs.
